BERNARD Manning Jnr feels the arrival of Paul Hilton as the club’s new chairman will be a shot in the arm for Radcliffe Borough.

The Evo-Stik First Division North club announced before Tuesday night’s 4-0 home win against New Mills that Manning had found a successor.

Having joined the club initially as a player, Manning has been involved with Boro for almost 30 years, around 20 of which he has spent as chairman.

And while the 55-year-old is preparing to hand over the reins, he insists he will still have a big role to play at the Belvoir Stadium.

“Paul will take over on the football side, which will be a great help to me as it will allow me to concentrate on the business side and keep the ship going,” said Manning.

“The fans gave Paul a really nice welcome at the New Mills game. We’re all looking forward to working with him and supporting him.

“Paul will be bring some fresh ideas, he’s young with lots of energy, which is what we need because I’m getting past it! Anyone connected with Radcliffe knows how hard it’s been over the last few years, dealing with the football affairs has been stressful. But I’m not going anywhere, I’ll still be around to help Paul and look after the finances.

“It’s good to have a new face around and new ideas. Paul is forward thinking and that’s what the club has needed for a long time.

“I feel I still have a lot to offer so I’ll be there to help Paul and anybody else who comes on board.

“I’m excited about it. It’s brought my desire back and it’s a big boost for the club, a real shot in the arm.”

Hilton has been running Mace FC, an amateur side based near Boro’s ground, for around 10 years.

Coincidentally, he also shares the same name as his father, Paul Snr, who founded Mace in 1978. They now play in the Manchester Accountants League Premier Division and are based at Cams Lane sports ground.

“I’ve been speaking to Paul since before Christmas, exploring whether we can forge a link with his club,” Manning explained.

“I realised I needed help and asked if he wanted to get stuck in on the football side.

“He wants to step up a bit and get involved in non-league football.

“He’s really keen, he wants to better himself and try it at a higher level.

“Mace have three teams – under-18s, under-21s and open-age – so if any good players are coming through it gives them a route into non-league football, it gives them an incentive.

“We could maybe use their facilities for training too, so there’s potential for both clubs to develop.”

Manager Danny Johnson has already announced he will step down at the end of the season and the club is still in talks over its new managerial set-up.

Manning is also in negotiations over a new sponsorship deal, with another meeting set for next Wednesday.